I believe that most people are interested and intrigued by the natural world and that soil is part of it. Everyone has a stake in promoting good soil management and a role in advocating for soil health – we all eat. Soils are the foundation of our food and fibre production systems.

My interest in the natural world led me to study geography, geology and biology in school. From there, I embarked on a Bachelor of Science in Geology at Macquarie University, but then decided that I was more interested in majoring in soils and geomorphology. I knew that I wanted to work with land holders to manage this important resource – the land.

I knew this work would mostly take place in Australia’s rural areas so I decided to study a Graduate Diploma of Applied Science in Agronomy at a rural university – Charles Sturt University. As I don’t come from a farming background, I found this a valuable experience because it gave me a farmer perspective plus I learnt a lot about agronomy.

During my career, I have worked in a lab, which taught me about soil analysis especially chemistry. I have also worked overseas in a development setting which was invaluable training for communication in non-English settings and the value of community development in changing behaviour.

Over the course of my 30-year career I have worked with countless farmer and grower groups. And although I am still interested in the science, it is working with people and building their capacity and capability that really motivates and energises me.

Working with NSW DPI (Department of Primary Industries) as a soil advisory officer and then soil development officer for over 25 years I’ve been involved in many valuable extension activities. I was part of the group that co-designed the very successful Northern Rivers Soil Health Card. I started the quarterly newsletter called All the Dirt which has been around for over 10 years. I also set up the monthly Soil Network of Knowledge (SNoK) webinars, coordinating both activities.

My role in NSW DPI required a lot of networking, searching and sharing. A big part of my role was making sure the most relevant and up-to-date information about soils was accessible to those that needed it. This is still my role as the National Soil Science Extension Team coordinator. I’m now working with Australia’s peak body for soil scientists, Soil Science Australia, and coordinating the national Community of Practice for soil extension –Smart Soils. A ped heads dream!

When I started working in soils extension in agriculture, I clearly remember that another co-worker stated that ‘soils were boring’. Thankfully this attitude has changed, and increasingly people want to know more about how our soils can be best managed. It is my job to ensure that all the many interesting and innovative advances in soil management, in both farmer-led field activities and research areas, are shared, publicised and built upon now and into the future.